Thursday, April 28, 2011

Angel is a very friendly and affectionate girl looking for a loving home. She needs a mature household with older owners as she doesn’t like to play much. Angel is happiest when she can relax with her family and enjoy gentle interaction. She can be a bit unsure of children running around or fast movements so it is best that her new home be calm. She is friendly with other dogs so would be happy if her new home was to have one but they must meet at the shelter before they can go home together.

Angel is looking for an owner who will be home most of the day and have plenty of time to spend with her, she is affectionate and will become very close with her owner and wont enjoy being alone for long periods of time. For the times she is left alone, she will need plenty to do to keep her busy like kongs or boredom busters. As she is a Maltese she will need daily brushes to prevent her coat from matting or getting knots. A bath every few months will be good to keep her clean. Angel is a very sweet and gentle natured dog who is looking for a quite home with a family who will spend plenty of time with her. She is currently at a foster carers but is brought in to the shelter most days but it might be best to call before you come to make sure she is here, on 9770 7528.

Angel is $90 (due to our current SAVE campaign) to adopt, and is desexed, vaccinated, wormed and health tested. The RSPCA is open six days, closed Wednesdays, for adoptions. For more information please visit: http://www.rspcansw.org.au/ or call 9770 7555.

RSPCA’s Sydney Shelter reached capacity a few weeks ago and regional shelters state-wide aren’t far behind. The non-profit organisation in once again desperate to save as many animals’ lives as possible and is therefore halving adoption fees on all animals at RSPCA NSW shelters and the RSPCA Care Centre at Rouse Hill from Saturday, 23 April through Sunday, 15 May.*

“We’re being forced to euthanase perfectly healthy animals because we’ve physically run out of room and have nowhere to care for incoming animals,” said RSPCA NSW Animal Wellbeing Executive Manager Susan Hill. “It’s absolutely devastating, and it’s really taking a toll on staff morale.”

The RSPCA NSW launched their first SAVE campaign back in February, which was specifically geared toward rehoming cats and kittens. “The campaign was hugely successful – we were able to rehome more than 500 felines in five days,” said Ms Hill. “So we’ve adopted a similar model this time, but have extended it to cover all animals at all RSPCA NSW shelters state-wide.”

“We’ve got thousands of gorgeous, loving animals that deserve a chance at life,” said Ms Hill. “We’re hoping this cost savings will encourage people to make the RSPCA their first choice when considering pet adoption.”

The RSPCA reminds people that pets are a long-term commitment and should be a considered decision, not an impulse buy. For those ready to take on the responsibility of a pet, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com.au/ to learn more about RSPCA animals available for adoption.

The celebration kicked off with Bulldogs players heading out to the RSPCA’s Sydney Shelter in Yagoona on Tuesday, 19 April to wash shelter dogs and get Bulldogs fans and RSPCA supporters excited about the upcoming game.

The celebration will continue on Game Day, this Saturday, 23 April. The big match, against fellow animal-loving team the Rabbitohs, is devoted to raising funds and generating awareness for the RSPCA and the upcoming RSPCA Million Paws Walk fundraiser. RSPCA volunteers will pass out free Bulldogs face masks, the Belles cheerleaders will be decked out in RSPCA Million Paws Walk t-shirts and the RSPCA will treat the crowd with pre-game and half time entertainment.

“’We’re looking forward to Game Day and hope to get the crowd really excited about the RSPCA’s upcoming Million Paws Walk event on Sunday, 15 May,” said Halatau.

Watch out for Ziggy, RSPCA Million Paws Walk mascot, who will make a special appearance on field to deliver the game ball.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Over a couple of days, Zoe and Stephanie from the Education Team presented talks to schools in Moree and Mallawa about the RSPCA, dog safety and responsible pet ownership.

A particular highlight of the trip was a visit to Moree Secondary College. The Education Team was accompanied by regional RSPCA Inspectors Andrew and Michael and discussed with students the role of RSPCA, life as an RSPCA Inspector and the types of animal cruelty cases investigated.

The week concluded with a successful day at the Moree Show where Zoe and Stephanie assisted in judging the pet show and liaised with the community about the work of RSPCA and how to get involved with the local branch.

Monday, April 18, 2011

The Game Council of NSW is at it again, this time calling for ‘expressions of interest’ for volunteer hunters to use dogs to hunt feral pigs in NSW State forests. RSPCA NSW today condemned the Game Council’s proposal, saying it flies in the face of the progress made in recent years to improve humaneness in wildlife and pest animal management.

“The RSPCA accepts that in some circumstances there is a need to control introduced animals such as feral pigs, but we firmly believe that any control measures used must be justified, effective and humane,” said RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman. “This is certainly not the case with hunting pigs with dogs.”

“Recreational hunting of pigs does not have any significant effect in reducing the agricultural or environmental impacts of these animals. Pig hunters do not apply their activities in a coordinated manner nor do they target their efforts in ways that would reduce impacts.”

“Pigs hunted with dogs are chased, held down and may be attacked and wounded by the dogs before the hunter is able to dispatch the pig. This is especially likely where dogs are poorly trained or are not called off quickly after they have located the pig. This means that the pig has suffered considerable pain, suffering and distress prior to death. Accredited game hunters (professional game meat harvesters) have an incentive to ensure that the pig is not mauled or injured, as the carcass would not be acceptable for processing. Recreational hunters have no such incentive or requirement for training or applying humane practices.”

“Not only is the use of dogs cruel to the pigs, it also places the dogs themselves in danger of injury and death. Some hunters will treat injured dogs themselves by sewing up their wounds, rather than take them for appropriate veterinary treatment. In addition, pig dogs are frequently lost during hunting and can end up as stray/wild dogs causing stock losses to farmers.”

You don’t need to be a dog owner to participate – everyone is invited to join the pack on Sunday, May 15th and walk with tens of thousands of people and pets throughout Australia to help raise vital funds for the RSPCA and the animals in their care.

If you do plan to bring your four-legged friends along, make sure they’re healthy, fit and ready for the big day. “RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk is designed to be fun, but it can be challenging for older or unfit dogs, as well as short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs and Boxers,” said RSPCA NSW Events Manager Sarah Rossiter. “If your dog isn’t accustomed to regular exercise, walking on a lead or socialising with others, start working with them now so they’re better-prepared and can enjoy themselves on the day.”

Water will be available at the event, but seasoned Million Paws Walk participants come prepared with sun protection (for themselves as well as their pets), an extra supply of water and good walking shoes. “Last year’s Million Paws Walk in Sydney got unseasonably warm, and some dogs didn’t cope very well with the heat,” said Ms Rossiter. “So we’re encouraging people to be prepared for a warm day, just in case.”

If you can’t make it on the day, you can still get involved by fundraising online. Online fundraisers even have the chance to win a 2011 Hyundai i30w SX manual wagon valued at $24,000*. For every $100 raised online, you’ll receive an entry into the draw – the more you raise, the more chances to win!

Labrador Beau (pictured above), currently available for adoption at RSPCA’s Sydney Shelter in Yagoona, is on a mission to lose those extra kilos in order to reach a healthy weight and be in shape for this year’s RSPCA Million Paws Walk. Only four weeks to go!

“May 15th is right around the corner, and we’re looking forward to a fantastic day,” said Ms Rossiter.

*Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please visit www.millionpawswalk.com.au or call (02) 9782 4480. For all the latest news and up to date information, follow RSPCA NSW on Facebook and Twitter @RSPCANSW.

Monday, April 11, 2011

﻿RSPCA’s Sydney Shelter in Yagoona has reached capacity and the animal welfare organisation is urging people considering pet adoption to visit the RSPCA now to find their new animal friend.

“The Shelter is always busy,” said RSPCA Sydney Shelter Manager Donna Hough. “But we are exceptionally full at this time, and are now faced with euthanasing incoming animals because we’ve physically run out of room.”

RSPCA’s Sydney Shelter is the largest animal shelter in the Southern Hemisphere, and acts as a transfer centre for smaller RSPCA shelters throughout NSW. However, the Shelter has been forced to limit the number of transfers being accepted from other RSPCA shelters, which will ultimately impact regional shelters state-wide.

“Our kittery is packed at the moment,” said Ms Hough, referring to the area where young kittens are housed. “This is most likely a result of kitten season lasting longer than normal due to warm weather. But adoptions have been particularly slow over the past few weeks as well, which has only exacerbated the issue.”

It isn’t just the kittery that’s inundated; the entire Shelter is filled with animals of all kinds waiting to find new homes. “We’ve got so many large breed dogs right now, as well as rabbits, adult cats, even chooks!”

Ms Hough hopes that families will take school holidays as an opportunity to visit the Shelter and meet the animals. “Easter is a good time to introduce a new pet into the household because kids are on school holidays, and – assuming families aren’t going away – they’re more likely to be at home to introduce new pets to the family, spend time with the animal and ensure it gets settled into a routine. Overall, it can be a great opportunity to bond with the animal.”

After the overwhelming success of our SAVE campaign in February where we rehomed over 500 cats, we didn’t think we would be in a similar predicament in April, but we are. Which is why we are halving the adoption fee of all animals in RSPCA NSW shelters and the Care Centre at Rouse Hill from Friday 22nd of April until the 15th of May.

The RSPCA reminds people that pets are a long-term commitment and should be a considered decision, not an impulse buy. For those ready to take on the responsibility of a pet, please make the RSPCA your first stop. To learn more about RSPCA animals available for adoption, visit http://www.adoptapet.com.au/.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Sarbi was awarded the Purple Cross by The National President of RSPCA Australia, Mrs Lynne Bradshaw.

“It recognises the deeds of animals that have shown outstanding service to humans, particularly if they’ve shown exceptional courage,” Mrs Bradshaw said. “I think there’s no doubt that Sarbi has shown an incredible resilience and strength that should be recognised.”

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie AC, DSC, CSM, also attended the ceremony. “I am very proud of the professional and dedicated work of our combat engineers and dog handlers, and the vital role they play in keeping our soldiers safe on deployment,” said Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie. “I am thrilled that the RSPCA has chosen to honour Sarbi, and by extension, all of Army’s working dogs and their handlers with this award."

Sarbi went missing in Afghanistan in September 2008 following Coalition contact with Insurgents.

During the engagement, nine Australian soldiers, including Sarbi’s handler, were wounded.

Sarbi was returned to Tarin Kot in October 2009, after being missing in action for 13 months.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Victorians, South Australians and Tasmanians will have easier access to higher welfare chicken with the launch of the first RSPCA Approved chicken in Coles today.

The chickens are raised in the Bendigo Valley on farms that meet the RSPCA’s high animal welfare standards.

“We’re very excited about this new product line. It’s the first time on the East Coast that the RSPCA has been able to provide a higher welfare meat chicken option to consumers, who we know are looking for it,” said RSPCA Australia CEO Heather Neil.

“The key objective of the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme is to improve the lives of farm animals by moving away from conventional farming systems to production environments that better meet the animal’s welfare and behavioural needs.

“As a result of this new product in Coles and the RSPCA’s work with chicken farmers - hundreds of thousands of meat chickens will have a much better life.”

The RSPCA’S meat chicken standards can be applied to bird-friendly indoor (barn) or outdoor (free-range) systems. RSPCA Approved Bendigo Valley chicken is an indoor system and is labeled as such so consumers can make a fully informed choice.

Animal welfare on RSPCA Approved farms is much higher than what is required by law or recommended in various state codes of practice.

“Achieving a high level of welfare on meat chicken farms entails getting the balance right between all the housing conditions that can have an impact on bird welfare such as space, lighting and enrichment. “RSPCA assessors regularly visit RSPCA Approved farms to ensure our high standards are maintained.”

On all RSPCA Approved chicken farms:

- chickens have more space
- chickens are free to forage and dustbathe in litter
- chickens have straw bales or other objects to investigate
- chickens have perches to sit on
- chickens have a longer dark period so they can rest properly

A local Narellan man appeared for sentencing at Camden Local Court on 30 March 2011. As proprietor of 'Pets R Us and Grooming', a pet shop located at Narellan, the man was charged with thirty-six offences under the NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations. He had pleaded guilty to all offences at an earlier Court appearance.

RSPCA Inspectors responded to numerous complaints about the welfare of animals in this pet shop between April 2009 and May 2010. During this period four inspections identified offences where the pet shop was not compliant with regulatory standards defined in the NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice for Animals in Pet Shops.

In addition to twenty-nine regulatory breaches of the Code of Practice, the man was charged with seven counts of failing to provide veterinary treatment to four birds. The birds were seized by RSPCA Inspectors on 5 February 2010 for urgent veterinary attention. A budgerigar was diagnosed as suffering a chronic mite infestation and respiratory condition. Two cockatiels with respiratory conditions suffered from ocular and wing lesions, and a plum-head parrot had ocular lesions.

The owner was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. He was fined $5,400 and placed on a Section 9 good behaviour bond for two years. Under the conditions of the bond, the RSPCA may inspect animals at his premises on reasonable notice. The man was ordered to dispose of all animals for which he is personally-in-charge within seven days. He has also been prohibited from possessing any animal for two years. The man was ordered to pay $2,636.20 veterinary costs and $5,000 toward the RSPCA's legal expenses. For seven offences, the man was convicted with no further penalty imposed (total fines and costs $13,036.20).

Friday, April 1, 2011

Has your Labrador been looking a bit lonely of late? Is your feline bored of batting around a ball of string, all alone? Your horse – long in the face?

The compatibility experts at eHarmony.com.au believe that the search for love and companionship shouldn’t be limited to humans, which is why they have decided to apply their compatibility knowledge to our four-legged friends

eHarmony have partnered with the RSPCA to create a fun and user-friendly matching system designed to find the perfect mate for your pet. With the RSPCA’s expertise on animals, and eHarmony’s relationship know-how, comPETability was born.

While eHarmony takes great pride in the science behind their Compatibility Matching System™ for humans, they haven’t managed to crack the pet equation just yet!

Subscribe

About us

The RSPCA - The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - is Australia's pre-eminent animal welfare organisation. We provide a strong voice for animals experiencing cruelty and neglect. The RSPCA is not a government agency and receives only a very small amount of funding from the Government. We rely on the generosity of the community and our own fundraising initiatives to fund our vital work.